Torque converter

ABSTRACT

A torque converter device for producing a uniform high velocity closure of electrical air break switches and the like, comprising coaxial input and output shafts, torsionally resilient means connecting both shafts for transmitting torsional movements from the input shaft to the output shaft, latch means operable during movements of the input and output shafts in one direction (toward closure of the switch) for interrupting movements of the output shaft at a predetermined point between extreme positions thereof while permitting continued movement of the input shaft in the same (switch closing) direction, nd additional means, responsive to further movements of the input shaft for releasing the interrupting means and permitting torque accumulated in the torsion spring to rotate the output shaft throughout the remainder of its travel at uniform high angular velocities. The interrupting means is automatically cocked responsive to movement of the input and output shafts in unison in the opposite (switch opening) direction.

United States Patent [72] Inventors John L. Turner East St. Louis;Albert J. Hoppenjans. Jr., Belleville. both 01,111. [21 Appl. No 834,454[22] Filed June 18, 1969 [45) Patented July 13,1971 [73] Assignee TurnerElectric Corporation East St. Louis, III.

{54] TORQUE CONVERTER 30 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl .1 200/153 V, 185/37 [51] lnt.Cl HlJlli3/38 (50]FieldolSeur-ch 200/153, 153.22, 153.8, 153.20; 335/76; 185/37, 39

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,822,445 2/1958 Schindlevet a1 200/109 2,769,874 11/1956 Coggeshall etal. 200/89 2,846,622 8/1958Miller et a1. 317/58 2,023,235 12/1935 Count l l 185/37 3,227,244 1/1966Pelenc 185/39 Assistant Examiner-B. A. Reynolds Au0me vBedell & BurgessZOO/153.8

ABSTRACT: A torque converter device for producing a uniform highvelocity closure of electrical air break switches and the like,comprising coaxial input and output shafts, torsionally resilient meansconnecting both shafts for transmitting torsional movements from theinput shaft to the output shaft, latch means operable during movementsof the input and output shafts in one direction (toward closure of theswitch) for interrupting movements of the output shaft at apredetermined point between extreme positions thereof while permittingcontinued movement of the input shaft in the same (switch closing)direction, nd additional means, responsive to further movements of theinput shaft for releasing the interrupting means and permitting torqueaccumulated in the torsion spring to rotate the output shaft throughoutthe remainder of its travel at uniform high angular velocities. Theinterrupting means is automatically cocked responsive to movement of theinput and output shafts in unison in the opposite (switch opening)direction.

PATENTEOJUU 3 89H SHEET 1 OF 3 PATENTED JUL 1 3 an SHEET 2 0F 3 IN VENTOTS JOHN L TURNER AL nus-n7- Harm/vans, JR. BM 4 W ATTORN Y3 TORQUECONVERTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

1. Field ofthe Invention The invention relates to devices for conveningand transmitting torque from one element to another and consistsparticularly in means for providing a uniformly high output velocity atthe end ofa rotational movement such as in the closure of an electricalswitch irrespective of the input velocity.

2. Description of the Prior Art Large electrical switches, such as thoseof high voltage sectionalizing switchgear, have in the past beenarranged for manual operation, with the operators instructed to completetheir closure at high speed to avoid arcing between the blade to thejaws as the blade approaches the jaw. Nevertheless, different manualoperators close switches differently, some at such high speed throughoutthe closing movement that the high impact on closure seriously damagesthe equipment, while others close the switches so slowly that seriousarcing occurs Moreover, such switches are frequently in such locationsthat remote control, utilizing an electric motor operator, is necessaryor desirable. Such motors preferably operate at a substantially constantlow speed, because if they operated at high speed throughout the switchclosing arc, the high terminal impact would likely damage the switchequipment. The present invention provides a torque converter forpositioning between th pcrator, whether manual or power, and a switch orswitches, for producing a uniformly fast terminal velocity during theclosure of the switches, irrespective of the initial velocity impartedby the manual or motor operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention utilizes the energy-storingcapability of a torsion spring, connecting an input and an output shaft,to provide a uniform driving force on the output shaft throughout thefinal arc of movement of the output shaft, irrespective of the speed atwhich the input shaft is rotated, so as to provide a uniform highterminal velocity to a switch blade upon closure, without sufficientlyhigh impact to damage the switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. I shows a line pole mounting switches in phase over hase relationand switch operating means incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, taken along line 22 ofFIG. 3, of the torque transmitting device embodying the invention FIG. 3is a plan view of the torque transmitting device with the top coverremoved and with the parts in the switch-open position.

FIGS. 4 and 5 correspond to FIG. 3 but show the torque transmittingdevice mechanism in different sequential posi- IIOI'I.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The numeral I indicates a pole.mounting, on a suitable bracket 3, three air break switches (only one ofwhich is shown) each comprising a rotatable insulator 5, a switch blade7 secured to insulator S for rotation therewith, and a fixed insulator 9supporting switch jaws 11. Switch blade 7 is selectively swingable intoand out of engagement with jaws II by rotation of insulator 5 about itsaxis. Only the lowermost of three brackets and switches (one for eachphase) is shown, the others being identical and mounted on pole 1 inphase over phase relation. To permit operation of the switches from theground, a vertical operating shaft 13 is journaled in suitable brackets15 on pole 1, and is connected by suitable linkage 17 to rotatableinsulators 5 of the three switches so that, upon clockwise rotation ofshaft 13, switch blades 7 will be swung from the closed position shownin FIG. 1 to an open position normal to the surface of the drawing andupon counterclockwise rotation of shaft 13, blades 7 will be returned tothe closed position shown in FIG. I.

Shaft 13 may be manually operated or it may be operated by a motor 19supported on pole 1 near the base thereof and operatively connected toshaft 13.

In order to prevent arcing upon closure of the switch, it is desirablethat the last portion of closing movements be at a uniform high angularvelocity, but to avoid mechanical damage to the switchgear, it isdesirable that the initial closing movements be at a lower velocity. Toachieve this goal, a torque converter device, generally indicated at 21,is interposed between shaft 23 of motor 19 and shaft 13.

Torque converter 21 shown in the switch-open position in FIGS. 2 and 3comprises a boxlike housing having a horizontal bottom wall 25 and anupright peripheral wall having a semicircular portion 26 facing awayfrom pole I and a convex polygonal portion consisting of a flat centersection 27 and two flat side sections 28. A removable top wall or cover29 is provided. Flat center section 27 is formed with a horizontalbracket 31 for attachment to a mating bracket 33 secured to pole 1. Polebracket 33 comprises an arcuate plate 34, a pair of horizontalvertically spaced radially projecting plates 35 and 37 which are formedwith vertically aligned holes 39, and housing bracket 31 is formed witha radially elongated slot 41 whose radial sides are vertically alignedwith the sides of holes 39. A pin 43 passes through both verticallyaligned holes 39 and corresponding slot 41 and holds housing 21 againstrotation, while accommodating its movement radially with respect to thepole and vertically between pole bracket plates 35, to facilitateconnection of torque converter 21 to motor shaft 23 and switch operatingshaft 13.

Bottom wall 25 of the housing is formed with a cylindrical opening 45concentric with semicylindrical wall portion 26. Opening 45 issurrounded by a double flange 47 and a vertical input shaft 49 extendsthrough opening 45, terminating within the housing some distance aboveflange 47. At its lower end input shaft 49 is rigidly connected bycoupling sleeve 51 to motor shaft 23 so that motor torque is transmitteddirectly to input shaft 49.

Top wall 29 of the housing is also formed with a vertical cylindricalopening 53 concentric with semicylindrical wall portion 26 andvertically aligned with bottom opening 45. Top opening 53 is surroundedby an upstanding flange 55, and a vertical output shaft 57 coaxial withinput shaft 49 extends through the cylindrical opening 53 and isrotatably journaled therein. The lower end of output shaft 57 is inclose proximity but slightly vertically spaced from the upper end ofinput shaft 49. At its upper end output shaft 57 is connected by acoupling sleeve 59 to switch operating shaft 13.

For yieldingly transmitting rotational movements from motor shaft 23 toswitch operating shaft 59, input shaft 49 is provided with an internalupwardly facing cylindrical spring retainer 61 annularly rabbeted on itsupper edge as at 63 to receive the base of a coil driving spring 65 andformed with an axial slot 67 in its periphery to receive the axiallyextending end 69 of spring 65. Spring retainer 61 is secured in inputshaft 49 at a level substantially below the top of shaft 49 by suitablemeans 71.

Driving spring 65 extends upwardly a substantial distance within outputshaft 57, and its top is seated against the bottom surface of adownwardly facing spring retainer 73 which is positioned within outputshaft 57 some distance above its lower end. Retainer 73 is similar toretainer 61, having an axial slot 75 in its periphery in which the upperend 77 of spring 65 is received, and is secured against rotation withrespect to output shaft 57 by suitable means 79. A long bolt 80 extendsaxially of the shafts through spring retainers 61 and 73, and a nut 82thereon holds the two shafts in assembled relation.

From the foregoing it will be evident that rotation of motor shaft 23and input shaft 49 will be transmitted to output shaft 57 and switchoperating shaft 13 by driving spring 65, by virtue of its resistance totorsion, but that transmission of torsional forces from the motor shaftto the switch operating shaft can be interrupted during closingmovements and output shaft 57 maintained stationary during somerotational movement of input shaft 49, after which output shaft 57 canbe released to permit driving spring 65, torsionally tensed by continuedrotation of input shaft 49, to cause high velocity terminal rotation ofoutput shaft 57 and switch operating shaft [3, thereby closing theswitches fast and substantially eliminating arcing.

For providing such an interruption and releases of the output shaft atpredetermined angular positions during its switchclosing movements,input shaft 49 rigidly mounts at its upper end a collar 83. The lowerrim of collar 83 is supported on flange 47 around opening 45 and theupper portion of collar 83 rotatably surrounds the lower end of outputshaft 57, helping to maintain the input and output shafts in axialalignment. A second collar 85 is rigidly mounted on the lower portion ofoutput shaft 57 and has an enlarged bottom portion 87 rotatablysurrounding input collar 83. An annular shoulder 88 formed within theenlarged bottom portion rests on the top rim of input collar 83 torotatably support output shaft 57 in vertically spaced relation on inputshaft 49. Output collar 85 is formed with a long radial arm or releaselever 89, and input collar 83 is formed with a short radial arm orcocking lever 91 having at its outer end an upstanding boss 93engageable with the leading radial edge 95 of release lever 89 so as toretain the release lever, output collar 85 and output shaft 57 in theswitch fully open position as shown in FIG. 3 when motor shaft 23 andinput shaft 49 are in that position. Since release lever 89 is rigidwith output shaft 57, movement of the release lever defines the limitsof movement of the output shaft. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 3, thedevice is arranged for 90 closing movement of the switches 7 from thesolid line nine o'clock position of release lever 89 to the broken linesix o'clock position.

For temporarily restraining release lever 89 and output shaft 57 againstrotational movement during closing move ment of input shaft 49, a thirdcollar 96 is rotatably journaled on the lower portion of input collar 83and is formed with a short radial arm or latch lever 97 which, when thedevice is in the switch-open position, is substantially in radialalignment with release lever 89. A link 99 is pivotally connected byvertical bolt to the extremity of latch lever 97, and a second pair ofvertically spaced links 103 are pivotally connected to the end of link99 remote from latching lever 97 by a long vertical bolt surroundedbetween upper and lower links 103 by a tubular spacer 107, link 99 andlower link 103 being below release lever 89 and upper link 103 beingabove release lever 89. Links 103 in turn are connected to brackets 108extending inwardly from housing peripheral wall by bolts I09 and areinclined therefrom in the direction of closing movement ofthe input andoutput shafts, such that when the device is in the full-open positionand for approximately of movement thereafter sleeve 107 is positionedradially inwardly of the extremity of release lever 89 with respect tothe output shaft axis, so as to interrupt further movement of outputshaft 57 toward switch-closed position after initial movementtransmitted to output shaft 57 from input shaft 49 by drive spring 65.

For permitting substantially instantaneous completion of the closingmovement of output shaft 57 when the input shaft has reached its fullyclosed position, a lost-motion connection is provided between inputcollar 83 and latching collar 96. The lost-motion connection comprises aradial flange 113 on the latching collar, which is arcuately slotted asat 115, a radi al bracket 7 on input collar 83 diametrically oppositecocking lever 91, and a pin 119 depending from bracket 117 into slot 115for arcuate movement therein. A coil tension spring 121 is connected atone end to bracket 113a and at its other end to housing peripheral wall26 to bias latching collar 96 clockwise to the position shown in FIGS. 2and 3. Thus, as input shaft 49 and its collar move counterclockwise fromswitch-closed toward switch-open position, spring 121 opposescounterclockwise movement of latching collar 96 and prevents suchmovement until input shaft 49, its collar 83 and bracket 117 reach theangular position shown in FIG. 4. When this occurs, the leading edge ofrelease lever 89 will engage sleeve 107 of linkage 99, 103, preventingfurther counterclockwise (switch closing) movement of output shaft 57.

Continued movement of input shaft 49, its collar 83, bracket 117 and pin119 after the latter has reached the counterclockwise end of slot causeslatching collar 96 to move counterclockwise to the position shown inFIG. 5 when the input shaft has moved to approximately l0 short of theswitch full-closed position. When this occurs latch arm 97 has movedcounterclockwise to the position shown in FIG. 5, causing linkage 99,103 to assume the configuration shown in FIG. 5, wherein link-connectingbolt 105 and its surrounding sleeve 107 (not visible in FIG. 5) arepositioned radially outwardly of the extremity of release lever 89,which is then free to move counterclockwise along the broken line are tothe switchclosed position in which it is shown in broken lines (FIG. 5).This latter movement is practically instantaneous upon the release ofrelease lever 89 by linkage sleeve 107, and is caused by torsiondeveloped in driving spring 65 by continued rotation of input shaft 49after linkage sleeve 107 had prevented further rotational movement ofrelease lever 89. This final movement of output shaft 49 is transmittedthrough coupling sleeve 59, switch operating shaft 13 and linkages 17 tocomplete closure of the switches by rotating insulators 5 and therebyswinging blades 7 into jaws 11 at high speed, thereby avoiding arcingbetween the switch blades and jaws as the closed position is approached.

In order to prevent movement of output shaft 57 and consequently of theswitch blades 7 past the closed position, with resultant damage to theswitches, a stop element is secured to an indented portion 127 ofhousing peripheral wall 27, stop element 125 being faced with a flat pad129 of elastomeric material to cushion the impact of release lever 89upon completion of the switch-closing movement.

The switches may be opened by reversing motor 19 to rotate input shaft49 and with it input collar 83 in a clockwise direction, movement of theinput shaft and collar being transmitted to output shaft 57 and outputcollar 85 by driving spring 65 and by the engagement of cocking leverboss 93 and release lever 89. As input collar 83 rotates clockwise,corresponding rotation of its bracket 117 and pin 119 in slot 1l5 oflatching collar flange 113 permits spring 121 to rotate latching collar96 and latching lever 97 clockwise, to move latching linkage sleeve 107radially inwardly of the extremity of release lever 89, Le, toward thelatching position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. To permit release lever 89 andoutput shaft 57 to return to their switch full-open position, in whichrelease lever 89 is positioned in a clockwise direction from latchinglinkage sleeve 107, as shown in FIG. 3, the extremity 131 of releaseiever 89 is rounded and the outer end portion 132 of the clockwiseleading edge of lever 89 is tapered so as to engage sleeve 107 and pushit and the linkage to the position of the linkage shown in FIG. 5 untilrelease lever 89 has cleared sleeve 107, after which spring 121 rotateslatching collar 96 to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, with thelatching linkage sleeve I07 interposed in the path of switch-closingmovement of release lever 89.

To prevent excessive opening movement of the output shaft, a second pairof inwardly extending vertically aligned brackets 108a, similar tobrackets 108, is positioned symmetrically with respect thereto on theinner surface of semicylindrical wall 26 and a long vertical bolt I33passes through them for engagement with release lever 89 if 90 ofopening movement is exceeded as a result of nonfunctioning or impropersetting of the motor stops.

To prevent excessive clockwise swinging of links 103 and movement oflinkage 99, 103 to a nonfunctioning straight line configuration, a plateis secured to the bottom of bottom bracket 1080 by a nut on theprotruding lower end of bolt 133, plate 135 being held against rotationabout bolt 133 by engagement of an arcuate side I37 with the innersurface of semicylindrical wall 26 so that another side I39 of plate 135abuts the counterclockwise facing edge of bottom link I03 when themaximum permissible counterclockwise movement of the link is attained,thereby preventing further counterclockwise movement oflink 103.

Although 90 is a common angularity for opening and closing movements ofswitches, other angular values up to lBO are sometimes used, and thepresent torque impact converter is capable of adjustment for use at anyangular increment between 90 and l80 and for clockwise as well ascounterclockwise closure. For counterclockwise operation, the positionof the parts can simply be reversed, e.g., stop I can be shifted to theopposite indentation 127:! in the other flat wall 25 (uppermost in FIG.3), link 103 pivoted to bracket 108a on wall portion 26, pin "9 insertedin slot 1150 in flange I13 of latching collar 96 and spring 121connected to the counterclockwise leading end of slot 115 instead of toslot 115a.

For I80 closing and opening movements, brackets 14] and 141a areprovided on the inner surface of the semicylindrical housing wallportion at approximately the eleven oclockand seven o'clock positions.For counterclockwise 180 closing movements, substantially longer latchlinks 103 would be pivoted to brackets I41 and for clockwise movementsto brackets l4la. By suitably relocating brackets l4] or l4la atdifferent angular positions on wall portion 26, the device can bereadily arranged for closing movements of any desired angularity.

Operation of the device is as follows: With switch blades 7 (FIG. I)open, i.e., perpendicular to the sheet and pointing away from theviewer, the parts of torque impact converter are as shown in FIG. 3,with release lever 89 in the nine oclock position. As motor 19 isenergized, it rotates input shaft 49, causing spring 65 to rotate outputshaft 57 correspondingly until the counterclockwise leading edge ofrelease lever 89 engages sleeve 107 on bolt 105 connecting links 103 and99, as seen in FIG. 4. This interrupts rotation of output shaft 57 andcorresponding swinging of switch blades 7, but motor 19 continues torotate input shaft 49 and thus tenses spring 65 in torsion. Continuedrotation of input shaft 49 and its collar 83 causes pin 9, which hasmoved counterclockwise in latching collar slot 5 to the counterclockwiseforward end of the slot, to cause similar rotation of latching collar 96and latch linkage arm 97 to rotate so that bolt 105, connecting links 99and 103, moves radially outwardly, bolt sleeve l0? rolling along thecounterclockwise leading edge of release lever 89 until, when the inputshaft and its collar are about l0 short of full-closed position, linkagesleeve 105 will be in the position shown in FIG. 5, clear of the roundedend [SI of release lever 89. This action, which occurs about fromswitch-open position, releases output shaft 57 and permits torsionspring 65, under counterclockwise tension from input shaft 49, to rotatethe output shaft at high velocity, thereby through operating shaft 13,linkages l7 and insulators S similarly swinging switch blades 7 towardclosed position in jaws I]. As release lever 89 thus moves toward thebroken line switch-closed position against stop pad 129, motor 19 hascontinued to rotate input shaft 49 and with it cocking lever 9| to thebroken line position shown in FIG. 5, so as to avoid interference withthe high velocity closing movement of release lever 89, output shaft 57and switch blades 7. Because of the high speed of closure, arcingbetween the blades and jaws is avoided.

When motor 19 is reversed to open the switches it causes input shaft 49to rotate clockwise which, through the engagement of cocking lever boss93 and release lever 89, produces similar clockwise rotation of outputshaft 57. Simultaneously, clockwise movement of pin [l9 permits spring12] to rotate latching collar 96 and its arm 97 clockwise, returninglinkage connecting bolt 105 and its sleeve 107 to a position in theclockwise path of release lever 89. When the tapered outer end portion132 of the clockwise leading edge of release lever 89 engages sleeve[07, because of the taper, sleeve ")7 rolls radially outwardly of thelever and around the rounded end I31 of the lever to the same positionshown in FIG. 5, and release lever 89 moves onward clockwise to theswitch-open position shown in solid lines in FIG. I, while spring 12!returns latch collar 96, its arm 97 and linkage 99, 103 to the latchposition of FIG. I, and the device is then cocked for another highvelocity closure.

We claim:

1. A torque converter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocitycomprising an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion spring connectingsaid input shaft to said output shaft, said output shaft normally beingfree to rotate with said input shaft, means for interrupting rotation ofsaid output shaft in one direction at a predetermined location betweenthe ends of the arc of rotation of said shafts, and means responsive tomovement of said input shaft in the other direction for latching saidinterrupting means and to movement of said input shah in said onedirection to a predetermined angular position beyond said predeterminedlocation for unlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored insaid spring during the interruption ofsaid output shaft rotates saidoutput shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation in saidone direction.

2. A torque converter according to claim 1 wherein said output shaft isprovided with a radial arm, said interrupting means having a partinterposable in the path of said arm.

3. A torque converter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocitycomprising an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion spring connectingsaid input shaft to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotationof said output shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in one direction,and means responsive to movement of said input shaft in the otherdirection for latching said interrupting means and to movement of saidinput shaft to a predetermined angular position in said one directionfor unlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored in saidspring rotates said output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc ofoperation in said one direction, said output shah being provided with aradial arm, said interrupting means having a part interposable in thepath of said arm. fixed structure journaling said shafts wherein saidinterrupting means comprises a pair of links extending generallyradially from said shafts, means connecting a first end of each of saidlinks to each other and forming said interposable part, a second end ofone ofsaid links being pivoted to said fixed structure radiallyoutwardly of said arm, and a second end of said other link being pivotedto said latching means whereby on rotation of said input shaft in saidother direction, said interposable part is moved into the arcuate pathofsaid arm.

4. A torque converter according to claim 3 wherein said shafts arecoaxial and said latching means comprises a second radial arm freelyrotatable with respect to said shafts, said one link being pivoted tosaid arm to cause movement of said interposable part out of the path ofsaid first radial arm when rotated in one direction, there being anarcuate lost-motion connection between said input shaft and said secondradial arm whereby to permit initial movement of said input shaft insaid one direction to said predetermined angular position withouttransmitting such movement to said second radial arm and thereaftertransmitting movement in said one direction to said second radial arm tocause movement of said links and said interposable part out of the pathof said first radial arm.

5. A torque converter according to claim 4 including resilient meansbiasing said second radial arm in said other direction for moving saidinterposable part into the path of said first radial arm when said inputshaft is rotated in said other direction.

6. A torque converter according to claim 5 wherein the leading edge ofsaid first radial arm with respect to said one direction of movement isradial of said shafts whereby to be positively engaged by saidinterposable pan during movement in said one direction.

7. A torque converter according to claim 6 wherein the trailing edge ofsaid first radial arm with respect to movement in said one direction istapered outwardly and forwardly whereby to deflect said interposablepart radially outwardly of said first radial arm during movement of saidshafts in said other direction, said deflection being accommodated bythe resilience of said resilient element, said interposable part beingreturned to its interposed position in the path of said arm in said onedirection after its deflection by said arm by the action of saidresilient element on said second radial arm.

8. A torque converter according to claim 7 including a third radial armrigidly mounted on said input shaft and having a portion engageable withsaid radial leading edge of said first radial arm for positively urgingsaid trailing edge of said first radial arm into deflecting engagementwith said interposable part during movement ofsaid shafts in said otherdirection.

9. A torque converter according to claim 8 wherein said interposablepart comprises a pivot element connecting said links and a sleeverotatably mounted about said pivot element for rolling antifrictionalengagement with the leading and trailing edges of said first radial armduring movements of the latter in respectively opposite directions.

10. A torque converter according to claim 9 wherein said other linkscomprise a pair of elements spaced from each other in a directionparallel to the axis of said shafts in opposite directions from saidfirst radial arm and said pivot element and sleeve are elongatedparallel to said shafts.

11. A torque converter according to claim 9 wherein the extremity ofsaid first radial arm is rounded to facilitate rolling therearound ofsaid sleeve during movements of said first radialarm past saidinterposable part.

[2. A torque converter according to claim I wherein said input andoutput shafts are coaxial and said torsion spring comprises a coilspring coaxial with said shafts and anchored at its opposite endsrespectively to said input and output shafts.

13. A torque converter device according to claim 12 wherein said shaftsare hollow and said coil spring is positioned inwardly of said shafts.

14. A torque converter device according to claim I having a housingsurrounding said shafts, said shafts protruding from said housing.

15. A torque converter device according to claim 14 wherein said shaftsare vertical and said housing is provided with an outwardly extendingsupport bracket radial with respect to said shafts.

16. A torque converter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocitycomprising an input shaft, and output shaft, a torsion spring connectingsaid input to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotation of saidoutput shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in one direction, meansresponsive to movement of said input shaft in the other direction forlatching said interrupting means and to movement of said input shaft toa predetermined angular position in said one direction for unlatchingsaid interrupting means whereby torque stored in said spring rotatessaid output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation insaid one direction, and means for adjusting the direction of operationwhereby said one direction may be made clockwise or counterclockwise asdesired and said other direction similarly reversed.

17. A torque converter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocitycomprising an input shaft, an output shaft. a torsion spring connectingsaid input shaft to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotationof said output shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in one direction,and means responsive to movement of said input shaft in the otherdirection for latching said interrupting means and to movement of saidinput shaft to a predetermined angular position in said one directionfor unlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored in saidspring rotates said output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc ofoperation in said one direction, and means for selectively varying thearc of opera 18. The combination of an electrical switch blade, a shaftoperatively connected to said switch blade for moving said switch bladearcuately between open and closed positions, and means for rotating saidshaft in both directions to operate said switch blade, said rotatingmeans comprising a torque converter having an output shaft rigidlyconnected to said operating shaft, and input shaft, a torsion springconnecting said input shaft to said output shaft, said output shaftnormally being free to rotate with said input shaft, means forinterrupting rotation of said output shaft in switch-closing direction,at a predetermined location between the ends of the arc of rota tion ofend shafts and means responsive to movement of said input shaft inswitch-opening direction for latching said interrupting means and tomovement of said input shaft, in said switch-closing direction, to apredetermined angular position beyond said predetermined location forunlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored in said springrotates said output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation in said switchclosing direction.

19. The combination according to claim 18 wherein said output shaft isprovided with a radial arm, said interrupting means having a partinterposable in the path of said arm.

20. The combination of an electrical switch blade, a shaft operativelyconnected to said switch blade for moving said switch blade arcuatelybetween open and closed positions, and means for rotating said shaft inboth directions to operate said switch blade, said rotating meanscomprising a torque con verter having an output shaft rigidly connectedto said operating shaft, an input shaft, a torsion spring connectingsaid input shaft to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotationof said output shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in switchclosingdirection, and means responsive to movement of said input shaft inswitch-opening direction for latching said interrupting means and tomovement of said input shaft, to a predetermined angular position insaid switch-closing direction for unlatching said interrupting meanswhereby torque stored in said spring rotates said output shaftthroughout the remainder of its arc of operation in said switchclosingdirection, said output shaft being provided with a radial arm, saidinterrupting means having a part interposable in the path of said arm, ahousing enclosing said input and output shafts wherein said interruptingmeans comprises a pair of links extending generally radially from saidshafts, means connecting a first end of each of said links to each otherand forming said interposable part, a second end of one of said linksbeing pivoted to said fixed structure radially outwardly of said arm,and a second end of said other link being pivoted to said latching meanswhereby on rotation of said input shaft in said switch-openingdirection, said interposable part is moved into the arcuate path of saidarm.

21. The combination according to claim 20 wherein said input and outputshafts are coaxial and said latching means comprises a second radial armfreely rotatable with respect to said shafts, said one link beingpivoted to said arm to cause movement of said interposable part out ofthe path of said first radial arm when rotated in switch-closingdirection, there being an arcuate lost-motion connection between saidinput shaft and said second radial arm whereby to permit initialmovement of said input shaft in said switch-closing direction to saidpredetermined angular position without transmitting such movement tosaid second radial arm and thereafter transmitting movement in saidswitch-closing direction to said second radial arm to cause movement ofsaid links and said in terposable part out of the path of said firstradial arm.

22. The combination according to claim 21 including resilient meansbiasing said second radial arm in said switchopening direction formoving said interposable part into the path of said first radial armwhen said input shaft is rotated in said switch-opening direction.

23. The combination according to claim 22 wherein the leading edge ofsaid first radial arm with respect to said switchclosing direction ofmovement is radial of said shafts whereby to be positively engaged bysaid interposable part during movement in said switch-closing direction.

24. The combination according to claim 23 wherein the trailing edge ofsaid first radial arm with respect to movement in said switch-closingdirection is tapered outwardly and forwardly whereby to deflect saidinterposable part radially outwardly of said first radial arm duringmovement of said shafts in said switch-opening direction, saiddeflection being accommodated by the resilience of said resilientelement, said interposable part being returned to its interposedposition in the path of said arm in said switch-closing direction afterits deflection by said arm by the action of said resilient element onsaid second radial arm.

25. The combination according to claim 24 including a third radial armrigidly mounted on said input shaft and having a portion engageable withsaid radial leading edge of said first radial arm for positively urgingsaid trailing edge of said first radial arm into deflecting engagementwith said interposable part during movement of said shafts in saidswitch-opening direction.

26. The combination according to claim 25 wherein said interposable partcomprises a pivot element connecting said links and a sleeve rotatablymounted about said pivot element for rolling antifrictional engagementwith the leading and trailing edges of said first radial arm duringmovements of the latter in respectively opposite directions 27. Thecombination according to claim 26 wherein said other links comprise apair of elements spaced from each other in a direction parallel to theaxis of said shafts in opposite directions from said first radial armand said pivot element and sleeve are elongated parallel to said shafts.

28 The combination according to claim 27 wherein the extremity of saidfirst radial arm is rounded to facilitate rolling therearound of saidsleeve during movements of said first radialarm past said interposablepart.

2')v The combination according to claim 28 wherein said input and outputshafts are coaxial and said torsion spring comprises a coil springcoaxial with said shafts and anchored at its opposite ends respectivelyto said input and output shafts.

30. The combination according to claim 29 wherein said shafts are hollowand said coil spring is positioned inwardly of said shafts.

1. A torque converter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocitycomprising an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion spring connectingsaid input shaft to said output shaft, said output shaft normally beingfree to rotate with said input shaft, means for interrupting rotation ofsaid output shaft in one direction at a predetermined location betweenthe ends of the arc of rotation of said shafts, and means responsive tomovement of said input shaft in the other direction for latching saidinterrupting means and to movement of said input shaft in said onedirection to a predetermined angular position beyond said predeterminedlocation for unlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored insaid spring during the interruption of said output shaft rotates saidoutput shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation in saidone direction.
 2. A torque converter according to claIm 1 wherein saidoutput shaft is provided with a radial arm, said interrupting meanshaving a part interposable in the path of said arm.
 3. A torqueconverter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocity comprisingan input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion spring connecting said inputshaft to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotation of saidoutput shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in one direction, andmeans responsive to movement of said input shaft in the other directionfor latching said interrupting means and to movement of said input shaftto a predetermined angular position in said one direction for unlatchingsaid interrupting means whereby torque stored in said spring rotatessaid output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation insaid one direction, said output shaft being provided with a radial arm,said interrupting means having a part interposable in the path of saidarm, fixed structure journaling said shafts wherein said interruptingmeans comprises a pair of links extending generally radially from saidshafts, means connecting a first end of each of said links to each otherand forming said interposable part, a second end of one of said linksbeing pivoted to said fixed structure radially outwardly of said arm,and a second end of said other link being pivoted to said latching meanswhereby on rotation of said input shaft in said other direction, saidinterposable part is moved into the arcuate path of said arm.
 4. Atorque converter according to claim 3 wherein said shafts are coaxialand said latching means comprises a second radial arm freely rotatablewith respect to said shafts, said one link being pivoted to said arm tocause movement of said interposable part out of the path of said firstradial arm when rotated in one direction, there being an arcuatelost-motion connection between said input shaft and said second radialarm whereby to permit initial movement of said input shaft in said onedirection to said predetermined angular position without transmittingsuch movement to said second radial arm and thereafter transmittingmovement in said one direction to said second radial arm to causemovement of said links and said interposable part out of the path ofsaid first radial arm.
 5. A torque converter according to claim 4including resilient means biasing said second radial arm in said otherdirection for moving said interposable part into the path of said firstradial arm when said input shaft is rotated in said other direction. 6.A torque converter according to claim 5 wherein the leading edge of saidfirst radial arm with respect to said one direction of movement isradial of said shafts whereby to be positively engaged by saidinterposable part during movement in said one direction.
 7. A torqueconverter according to claim 6 wherein the trailing edge of said firstradial arm with respect to movement in said one direction is taperedoutwardly and forwardly whereby to deflect said interposable partradially outwardly of said first radial arm during movement of saidshafts in said other direction, said deflection being accommodated bythe resilience of said resilient element, said interposable part beingreturned to its interposed position in the path of said arm in said onedirection after its deflection by said arm by the action of saidresilient element on said second radial arm.
 8. A torque converteraccording to claim 7 including a third radial arm rigidly mounted onsaid input shaft and having a portion engageable with said radialleading edge of said first radial arm for positively urging saidtrailing edge of said first radial arm into deflecting engagement withsaid interposable part during movement of said shafts in said otherdirection.
 9. A torque converter according to claim 8 wherein saidinterposable part comprises a pivot element connecting said links and asleeve rotatably mounted about said pivot element for rollingantifrictional engagement with the leading and trailing edgEs of saidfirst radial arm during movements of the latter in respectively oppositedirections.
 10. A torque converter according to claim 9 wherein saidother links comprise a pair of elements spaced from each other in adirection parallel to the axis of said shafts in opposite directionsfrom said first radial arm and said pivot element and sleeve areelongated parallel to said shafts.
 11. A torque converter according toclaim 9 wherein the extremity of said first radial arm is rounded tofacilitate rolling therearound of said sleeve during movements of saidfirst radial arm past said interposable part.
 12. A torque converteraccording to claim 1 wherein said input and output shafts are coaxialand said torsion spring comprises a coil spring coaxial with said shaftsand anchored at its opposite ends respectively to said input and outputshafts.
 13. A torque converter device according to claim 12 wherein saidshafts are hollow and said coil spring is positioned inwardly of saidshafts.
 14. A torque converter device according to claim 1 having ahousing surrounding said shafts, said shafts protruding from saidhousing.
 15. A torque converter device according to claim 14 whereinsaid shafts are vertical and said housing is provided with an outwardlyextending support bracket radial with respect to said shafts.
 16. Atorque converter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocitycomprising an input shaft, and output shaft, a torsion spring connectingsaid input to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotation of saidoutput shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in one direction, meansresponsive to movement of said input shaft in the other direction forlatching said interrupting means and to movement of said input shaft toa predetermined angular position in said one direction for unlatchingsaid interrupting means whereby torque stored in said spring rotatessaid output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation insaid one direction, and means for adjusting the direction of operationwhereby said one direction may be made clockwise or counterclockwise asdesired and said other direction similarly reversed.
 17. A torqueconverter for producing a uniform terminal angular velocity comprisingan input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion spring connecting said inputshaft to said output shaft, means for interrupting rotation of saidoutput shaft intermediate its arc of rotation in one direction, andmeans responsive to movement of said input shaft in the other directionfor latching said interrupting means and to movement of said input shaftto a predetermined angular position in said one direction for unlatchingsaid interrupting means whereby torque stored in said spring rotatessaid output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc of operation insaid one direction, and means for selectively varying the arc ofoperation.
 18. The combination of an electrical switch blade, a shaftoperatively connected to said switch blade for moving said switch bladearcuately between open and closed positions, and means for rotating saidshaft in both directions to operate said switch blade, said rotatingmeans comprising a torque converter having an output shaft rigidlyconnected to said operating shaft, and input shaft, a torsion springconnecting said input shaft to said output shaft, said output shaftnormally being free to rotate with said input shaft, means forinterrupting rotation of said output shaft in switch-closing direction,at a predetermined location between the ends of the arc of rotation ofend shafts and means responsive to movement of said input shaft inswitch-opening direction for latching said interrupting means and tomovement of said input shaft, in said switch-closing direction, to apredetermined angular position beyond said predetermined location forunlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored in said springrotates said output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc ofoperation in said switch-closing dirEction.
 19. The combinationaccording to claim 18 wherein said output shaft is provided with aradial arm, said interrupting means having a part interposable in thepath of said arm.
 20. The combination of an electrical switch blade, ashaft operatively connected to said switch blade for moving said switchblade arcuately between open and closed positions, and means forrotating said shaft in both directions to operate said switch blade,said rotating means comprising a torque converter having an output shaftrigidly connected to said operating shaft, an input shaft, a torsionspring connecting said input shaft to said output shaft, means forinterrupting rotation of said output shaft intermediate its arc ofrotation in switch-closing direction, and means responsive to movementof said input shaft in switch-opening direction for latching saidinterrupting means and to movement of said input shaft, to apredetermined angular position in said switch-closing direction forunlatching said interrupting means whereby torque stored in said springrotates said output shaft throughout the remainder of its arc ofoperation in said switch-closing direction, said output shaft beingprovided with a radial arm, said interrupting means having a partinterposable in the path of said arm, a housing enclosing said input andoutput shafts wherein said interrupting means comprises a pair of linksextending generally radially from said shafts, means connecting a firstend of each of said links to each other and forming said interposablepart, a second end of one of said links being pivoted to said fixedstructure radially outwardly of said arm, and a second end of said otherlink being pivoted to said latching means whereby on rotation of saidinput shaft in said switch-opening direction, said interposable part ismoved into the arcuate path of said arm.
 21. The combination accordingto claim 20 wherein said input and output shafts are coaxial and saidlatching means comprises a second radial arm freely rotatable withrespect to said shafts, said one link being pivoted to said arm to causemovement of said interposable part out of the path of said first radialarm when rotated in switch-closing direction, there being an arcuatelost-motion connection between said input shaft and said second radialarm whereby to permit initial movement of said input shaft in saidswitch-closing direction to said predetermined angular position withouttransmitting such movement to said second radial arm and thereaftertransmitting movement in said switch-closing direction to said secondradial arm to cause movement of said links and said interposable partout of the path of said first radial arm.
 22. The combination accordingto claim 21 including resilient means biasing said second radial arm insaid switch-opening direction for moving said interposable part into thepath of said first radial arm when said input shaft is rotated in saidswitch-opening direction.
 23. The combination according to claim 22wherein the leading edge of said first radial arm with respect to saidswitch-closing direction of movement is radial of said shafts whereby tobe positively engaged by said interposable part during movement in saidswitch-closing direction.
 24. The combination according to claim 23wherein the trailing edge of said first radial arm with respect tomovement in said switch-closing direction is tapered outwardly andforwardly whereby to deflect said interposable part radially outwardlyof said first radial arm during movement of said shafts in saidswitch-opening direction, said deflection being accommodated by theresilience of said resilient element, said interposable part beingreturned to its interposed position in the path of said arm in saidswitch-closing direction after its deflection by said arm by the actionof said resilient element on said second radial arm.
 25. The combinationaccording to claim 24 including a third radial arm rigidly mounted onsaid input shaft and hAving a portion engageable with said radialleading edge of said first radial arm for positively urging saidtrailing edge of said first radial arm into deflecting engagement withsaid interposable part during movement of said shafts in saidswitch-opening direction.
 26. The combination according to claim 25wherein said interposable part comprises a pivot element connecting saidlinks and a sleeve rotatably mounted about said pivot element forrolling antifrictional engagement with the leading and trailing edges ofsaid first radial arm during movements of the latter in respectivelyopposite directions.
 27. The combination according to claim 26 whereinsaid other links comprise a pair of elements spaced from each other in adirection parallel to the axis of said shafts in opposite directionsfrom said first radial arm and said pivot element and sleeve areelongated parallel to said shafts.
 28. The combination according toclaim 27 wherein the extremity of said first radial arm is rounded tofacilitate rolling therearound of said sleeve during movements of saidfirst radial arm past said interposable part.
 29. The combinationaccording to claim 28 wherein said input and output shafts are coaxialand said torsion spring comprises a coil spring coaxial with said shaftsand anchored at its opposite ends respectively to said input and outputshafts.
 30. The combination according to claim 29 wherein said shaftsare hollow and said coil spring is positioned inwardly of said shafts.